synonym Comparative
欲望
VS
本望
Differences Between "欲望" and "本望"
Option A
欲望
Meaning
desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge
Reading
よくぼう (yokubō)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
人間の_______には限りがないため、足るを知る精神を持つことが大切です。
Since human desires have no limits, it is important to have the spirit of knowing when one has enough.
Option B
本望
Meaning
satisfaction; heart's desire; lifelong hope; complete fulfillment
Reading
ほんもう (honmō)
Syllabus Level
N3
Practical Example
自分が犠牲になっても愛する人を救えるなら、彼はそれで_______だと微笑みました。
Smiling, he said that if he could save his beloved even by sacrificing himself, he would be completely satisfied with that.
Which one to use?
Select the correct Japanese word for this context
Which word fits this context: "(desire; lust; appetite; greed; urge)"?
🎉 正解 / Correct!
使い分け解説:
- 欲望: Refers to physical, mental, or material desire, lust, appetite, greed, or urges. Often used as 欲望に負ける (give in to desires). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Desires?! My desire to spend every single weekend with you, and to have you all to myself... yes, it is a highly greedy desire! S-So don't you dare resist my sweet greed!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『よく、欲望？！あんたの毎日の時間も、愛も、将来も、全部私だけで独占したいっていう私のこの欲求はね、とてつもなく強欲な『欲望（愛）』よ！絶対に拒否権なんて与えないから！』
- 本望: Refers to complete satisfaction, one's heart's desire, or lifelong hope being perfectly fulfilled, leaving absolutely no regrets. Often used as 〜なら本望だ (if ... happens, I am completely satisfied/no regrets). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Satisfaction! Lifelong hope! If I can spend the rest of my life walking next to you, I will be completely satisfied! I have absolutely no other wishes!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『本望よ！あんたと一生添い遂げて、毎日『行ってらっしゃいのキス』をして暮らせるなら、私は人生でこれ以上望むことなんて何もない、本当に『本望』なんだからね！』
- 欲望: Refers to physical, mental, or material desire, lust, appetite, greed, or urges. Often used as 欲望に負ける (give in to desires). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Desires?! My desire to spend every single weekend with you, and to have you all to myself... yes, it is a highly greedy desire! S-So don't you dare resist my sweet greed!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『よく、欲望？！あんたの毎日の時間も、愛も、将来も、全部私だけで独占したいっていう私のこの欲求はね、とてつもなく強欲な『欲望（愛）』よ！絶対に拒否権なんて与えないから！』
- 本望: Refers to complete satisfaction, one's heart's desire, or lifelong hope being perfectly fulfilled, leaving absolutely no regrets. Often used as 〜なら本望だ (if ... happens, I am completely satisfied/no regrets). ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'Satisfaction! Lifelong hope! If I can spend the rest of my life walking next to you, I will be completely satisfied! I have absolutely no other wishes!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『本望よ！あんたと一生添い遂げて、毎日『行ってらっしゃいのキス』をして暮らせるなら、私は人生でこれ以上望むことなんて何もない、本当に『本望』なんだからね！』
Want to boost your Japanese vocabulary?
Project Eagle automatically tracks and targets your weak words using AI. Practice thousands of operational exams completely for free!